Tritons

Tritons are the common name for several large sea snails in the family Ranellidae, especially the genus Charonia. These marine gastropods are predatory and often have large, robust shells that are prized by collectors.

They occur in warm and temperate oceans worldwide, commonly on rocky bottoms, coral reefs, or seagrass beds. Adults may reach lengths up to 60 cm, depending on species.

The shell is elongated and spindle-shaped, with a long siphonal canal. Coloration varies by species. The soft body includes a large foot for movement and prey capture, a mantle and an operculum.

Tritons are carnivorous predators that feed mainly on echinoderms such as sea urchins and starfish. They locate prey using chemical cues, then use their muscular foot and proboscis to access the prey.

Reproduction involves laying long, gelatinous egg masses; the young hatch as free-swimming veligers and later settle as juveniles on the seafloor.

Some species are collected for their impressive shells and are subject to overfishing and habitat loss; many jurisdictions regulate collection and trade.

In astronomy, Triton is also the name of the largest moon of Neptune. Discovered in 1846 by William Lassell, it orbits Neptune on a retrograde trajectory and is believed to have a nitrogen-rich atmosphere and a possible subsurface ocean, with evidence of geologic activity.